During WWII, American soldiers were stationed across the globe in unfamiliar and unforgiving terrains, and they required an ultra-reliable vehicle that could withstand the hardships of war. Their solution was the Willys-Overland MB, a revolutionary 4x4 automobile that many veterans brought home after the war due to overwhelming satisfaction regarding the vehicle’s style and performance. Willys-Overland eventually became known as Jeep, one of the most iconic and recognizable automobile brands in the world. Looking ahead, how will this company continue to satisfy its loyal fans? Here’s a brief glimpse into the future of the Jeep Wrangler.
Prioritizing Zero Emissions
The entire Jeep Brand is committed to rolling out new zero-emission vehicles over the next decade. By 2025, there will be six different fully electric Jeep automobiles for consumers to drive. But will the Wrangler also see an electric variant in the coming years? Instead of creating an EV version of the existing model, Jeep plans to release a new generation of electric 4x4s inspired by the Wrangler—similar to the re-release of the Jeep Gladiator. Called the Jeep Recon EV, this automobile shares similar off-roading capabilities and designs as the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, including iconic trim lines, front-end stylings, removable doors and hardtop, four-wheel drive, intuitive suspension systems, and more. The Jeep Recon EV will release congruently with the Wagoneer EV, a luxury SUV with 400 miles of range per charge.
Estimating The Value
Many aspects of Wrangler ownership—like the ability to make exciting modifications—turn casual drivers into Jeep brand loyalists. Arguably, the most notable factor is affordability. Over the past few years, base-model Jeep Wranglers have carried a reasonable price tag at just over $30,000. Even highly luxurious configurations, such as the Sahara, remained under $50,000. The estimated base-model price for the Jeep Recon EV is just over $60,000, with upgraded editions costing close to $80,000. To some off-roading fans, this price point might seem out of character for Jeep and, consequently, not worth purchasing. Conversely, $60,000 is relatively affordable for an EV, especially one with unique and powerful off-roading capabilities. Whether these newer, more expensive 4x4s push away or attract more fans, there’s no denying Jeep’s commitment to a fully electric fleet.
Retaining Legacy
While Jeep’s future is certainly ambitious, there’s a good chance that new Wranglers and similar 4x4 vehicles will retain the brand’s storied legacy in one aspect or another. Throughout this company’s history, new generations of Jeeps have always reflected the automobiles that came before them. For example, the original Gladiator was styled after the once-popular Wagoneer, while the more recent generation drew inspiration from the Wrangler. Furthermore, all current Jeep products share that distinct slotted grille design we all know and love. Ultimately, the unique driving experience of the Jeep Wrangler is simply too significant to be lost in technological innovations and upgrades.
When looking ahead, the future of the Jeep Wrangler seems bright! As with other top automotive manufacturers, Jeep aims to find the perfect balance between legacy and innovation by investing in EV technology above all else. Luckily, you can get your hands on an EV Jeep sometime this year.
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